Purpose of the Health Indicator Report

To provide information about sources of tap water and drinking water for households in Halton, as well as the use of drinking water filters or purifiers.

Key Findings

Overall Findings and Trends Over Time

In 2013, 93% (±2) of households in Halton Region reported getting their tap water from a municipal water supply, 5% (±1) from a private well, and 2%(±1) from another source such as a cistern or communal well.

From 2009 to 2013 there were no statistically significant changes in the percent of households in Halton Region that reported getting their tap water from a municipal water supply, private well or other source.

Municipality

In 2013, households in Burlington [96%(±2)] and Oakville [98%(±1)] were more likely than households in Milton [81%(±6)] and Halton Hills [80%(±7)] to get their drinking water from a municipal water supply. These differences were statistically significant.

In 2013, households in Milton [15%(±6)] and Halton Hills [16%(±6)] were more likely than households in Burlington [3%(±1)] to get their drinking water from a private well. These differences were statistically significant.

Usual Source of Drinking Water

Overall Findings and Trends Over Time

In 2013, 61% (±3) of households in Halton Region reported using tap water as their usual source of drinking water,14% (±2) reported bottled water and 25% (±3) reported both tap and bottled water.

From 2009 to 2013 the percent of households in Halton that reported using tap water as their usual source of drinking water increased from 54% (±3) to 61% (±3), and this increase was statistically significant.

In 2013, households in Halton that got their drinking water from a private well [33%(±12)] were more likely than households that got their drinking water from a municipal water supply [13%(±2)] to report using bottled water as their usual source of drinking water (data not shown). This difference was statistically significant.

Municipality

In 2013, households in Burlington [64%(±4)] and Oakville [64%(±5)] were more likely than households in Milton [51%(±8)], and Halton Hills [51%(±8)] to report using tap water as their usual source of drinking water. These differences were statistically significant.

Use of Drinking Water Filter/Purifier

Overall Findings and Trends Over Time

In 2013, 61% (±3) households in Halton Region that usually drink tap water reported using a water filter or purifier, while 40% (±3) did not.

Among households in Halton that used a water filter or purifier in 2013, the most commonly used type was an activated charcoal system [76% (±3)] (data not shown).

From 2009 to 2013 there were no statistically significant changes in the percent of households in Halton that usually drink tap water and reported using or not using a water filter or purifier.

Municipality

In 2013, there were no statistically significant differences by municipality in the percent of households in Halton that usually drink tap water and reported using or not using a water filter or purifier.

For problems or questions regarding this site, please email Halton
Region
or dial 311 or 905-825-6000